Bill would ease penalties for marijuana possession

Monday, April 29, 2013

LANSING, Mich. (AP) ó A bill recently introduced in the Michigan House would lessen penalties for residents caught with small amounts of marijuana.

Democratic Rep. Jeff Irwin of Ann Arborís legislation would make possession of one ounce or less of marijuana a civil infraction. Fines would be based on whether itís the first, second or third violation.

Currently, possessing pot can lead to misdemeanor charges with heavy fines and jail time.

Irwin says in a statement that Michigan spends more than $300 million a year arresting and imprisoning marijuana offenders. He says the stateís policies aimed at preventing marijuana use arenít working.

The bill is also backed by two House Republicans. The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.